July 18, 2026

A New Driveway Gate

Five years ago Dan built a pergola for our bedroom window and afterward made a gate for the driveway.

Photo from August 2021

The gate has served us well, both for privacy but especially for keeping wandering dogs out of the yard. We used to have a problem with this, and have lost chickens and ducks to dogs people let roam because we're outside of town limits. And also it helps keep our chickens, turkeys, and ducks from wandering into the front yard and into the street. So it's been a good addition.

Earlier this summer one of the gate posts became very wobbly. When Dan pulled it out it was quite rotted where it had been in the ground. So he took down the gate and we discussed how to replace it. After a lot of ideas for a new wooden gate, we finally decided the quickest and easiest thing to do was to install a farm gate. 


This met the need to keep critters either out or in, but we both missed the sense of aesthetics and privacy the other gate offered. So I cast about for ideas. 

First I found this


These are perforated aluminum panels that came in 2 by 3 foot sheets. I found them at Home Depot. I got five and Dan attached them with zippy ties.

The muscadine vines on the pergola shade the window from the afternoon sun.

A little better but what about something decorative on top?



I found the flowers at Hobby Lobby and the birds on Etsy. Dan figured out how to attach them! I even got a bit of a breeze when I was taking pictures, so I can show you this . . .


The flowers are whirligigs!

We're pretty pleased with it. 

6 comments:

daisy g said...

That looks fabulous! And I love the touch of whimsy with the spinning flowers!

Leigh said...

Thanks Daisy! More personality than a plain 'ol farm gate.

Anonymous said...

So pretty.😍 RHill, TX

Leigh said...

RHill, thanks!

DFW said...

That looks great. Love all the additions, gives it personality!

Rosalea said...

I remember when Dan built the pergola and the gate. Looks good. Love the swallows on the gate.